Here in the North East, spring is well underway. Those of us with ALS are able to get out and enjoy life after a winter of being shut in because of a combination of bad weather and COVID 19 restrictions.
Now it is time to revive the fundraising effort of the Commodores Crew in support of the Walk to Defeat ALS scheduled to take place on October 3 this year.
Currently all the actual walks in the New York area have been canceled. They are replaced by “virtual” walks or “at home” walks with a few friends on foot or even a cavalcade of automobiles.
Since last year I have become weaker in the arms and legs, and have now retired the walker in favor of a power wheelchair, which makes it easier to get around and broaden my horizons. Many of those who were diagnosed when I was, three years ago, are in need of much more help than me, and some are simply no longer with us. As I have always said, I am one of the lucky ones.
We need to find both a cause and a cure for this devastating disease and we need to find the funds to achieve both..
Additionally, demands on the support services of the Greater New York chapter have increased dramatically as those with ALS, and their caregivers, endured the same lock down as the rest of the country. But with the added fear that the combination of COVID-19 infection and ALS would probably only have one conclusion.
The professional support staff are amazing. Doctors, nurses, and therapists are always available for help and advice whether by telephone, FaceTime Zoom etc. Their support is invaluable, and more and more every day, my wife Jan is my rock.
Last year my friends, retired work colleagues, and my family here and around the world, gave so very generously to ALS research. With no apology because the need is so great, I am asking you once again to join The Commodores Crew and donate to this cause which has become so close to my heart.
I thank you, and all the ALS sufferers around the world thank you.
WHY WE NEED YOUR HELP
Every 90 minutes a person in this country is diagnosed with ALS and every 90 minutes another person will lose their battle against this disease. ALS occurs throughout the world with no racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic boundaries.
That’s why we’re participating in the Walk to Defeat ALS. To bring hope. To raise awareness. To provide resources and services to families free of charge. To help unlock the mystery of ALS and find the key to treatments a cure. Will you join us?
ABOUT ALS
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, fatal neuromuscular disease that slowly robs the body of its ability to walk, speak, swallow and breathe. The life expectancy of a person with ALS averages 2 to 5 years from the time of diagnosis.
ALS can strike anyone. Presently there is no known cause of the disease, yet it still costs loved ones an average of $250,000 a year to provide the care people living with ALS and their families need. Join the movement to provide help and hope today!
